In this study, machining characteristics of AlN-hBN composites were evaluated in end-milling process. As a first step, AlN-hBN
composite specimens with various hBN contents were prepared using hot press method. Material properties of the composites, such
as relative density, Young’s modulus and fracture toughness, were measured and compared. Then, a series of end-milling experiments
were performed under various cutting conditions by changing cutting speed, depth-of-cut and feed rate. Cutting force variations were
measured using a tool dynamometer during the cutting experiments. Machined surfaces of the specimens were observed using SEM
and a surface profiler to investigate the surface integrity changes. The cutting force decreased with an increases of hBN content. The
cutting process was almost impossible for monolithic AlN, owing to severe chipping. In contrast, at high content of hBN, surface
damage and chipping decreased, and better surface roughness can be obtained.